Upgrade DAC recommendation


My systems consist of:
McIntosh 601 Monoblocks 
McIntosh C47 Pre Amp
Martin Logan Renaissance 15A Speakers
 Node2 DAC

I’m  bypassing the DAC in my Node2 and using the DAC in my McIntosh C47 My sound is good but I think I’m missing something  and believe the sound can be tremendously better if I upgrade my Node 2 for a better DAC. I’m willing to spend up to $5k on a new DAC
 Based on my system components, can you suggest a Better DAC that will take my sound Up to new levels

 need lots of help

fhanks

 
preslisa64

Showing 4 responses by preslisa64

Hard to say, but my vocals and guitars are superb and my base is outstanding. I’m looking for the mid range music part of music, like maybe the reverberations in a cello or the in depth sound or residue left over from the various types of drum cymbals 
   Looking for more realism in each of the other types of instruments
I’m using tributaries 8 reference grade cables. Everywhere Do you think moving from Node 2 to a Lumin or Auralic will make that much of a

Which is a difference of $4k more cost of the Node 2
Wow, thanks for all the input.

 Since I will not be able to audition any of
the awesome products people have listed here, and boy do they sound awesome,  I have decided to stick with a DAC that i considerably quite a bit at the beginning of this DAC purchase process.

 I’ve chosen the Lumin T2. Mainly because of it close proximity to the X1, the rave  people praise it, it’s cost, and it’s branding. The X1 is a little out of my price range. 

Since I have these cables now,
I will stay with Tributaries 8 Reference Cables. 
At some point, maybe my next upgrade
will be cables.
Thanks for all the helpful input 

Correction:
Since I love McIntosh Products so much
I canceled the purchase of the awesome Lumin T2. 

I Purchased and waiting to receive the new McIntosh C53. Even though at almost twice the price, I selected it mainly because of the new Next generation upgradeable DAC Module which gives me the ability to hopefully keep it for years to come and the 8 band equalizer 

Im trading on my McIntosh C47. Which is awesome  also
My new combo will be McIntosh 601’s, C53 and Martin Logan 15A’s

I’m good to go...... for now.  Lol